Final Day of BMX Freestyle World Champs in Abu Dhabi

Dec 31, 2024

Written by Bart de Jong

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The UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in Abu Dhabi delivered days filled with BMX Freestyle action, starting with extended practice sessions and elimination rounds in BMX Park and Flatland. By the final day, despite a slightly shorter schedule, the intensity remained high. With the Women’s Flatland Finals kicking off at 9:00 AM and the Men’s Park podium ceremony scheduled for 8:30 PM, it was another packed day of competition. Watching the world’s top athletes compete in the Flatland and Park finals made every moment worth it.

The morning began with a challenge: overnight dew had transformed the flatland platform into a slick surface, requiring extensive squeegee work to prepare the course in time for the Women’s Flatland Final. The event became a fierce contest between nations, with Hungary and Japan each fielding two riders in the finals. While the Japanese riders entered as top qualifiers, Hungary’s competitors weren’t backing down. A surprising off-day for top qualifier Kirara Nakagawa (JPN) saw her finish in fourth, paving the way for Hungary’s Anna Mondics and Veronika Kadar to secure podium finishes. Veronika delivered an impressive run to take second place, but Japan’s Ayuna Miyashima claimed the top spot, becoming the 2024 UCI BMX Flatland World Champion.

In the Men’s Flatland Final, the stakes were high as eight riders vied for the title. The talent on display electrified the crowd, with flawless execution being the key to victory. Matthias Dandois (FRA), in what he announced as his final world stage competition, put down a near-perfect run to score 90.67,

securing provisional first place. Yu Katagiri (JPN), known for pushing boundaries, fell short with a few minor errors, finishing in fifth with 83.53. Reigning champion Yu Shoji (JPN) also attempted to dethrone Matthias but couldn’t surpass his score, finishing off the podium. Moto Sasaki (JPN) earned silver with 86.83, and Canada’s Jean-William Prevost captured bronze.

After the Flatland finals, attention shifted to the Park competitions. Both the Women’s and Men’s finals featured 12 riders each, showcasing a blend of creativity, precision, and daring. The judges sought hard tricks performed with flow and height while minimizing mistakes. The Women’s Park Final highlighted the dominance of Chinese riders, who claimed five of the top six spots. Despite their strong performances, none could dethrone Hannah Roberts (USA). The five-time UCI World Champion delivered a stunning first run, featuring tricks like superwhips and no-handed backflips, scoring 95.70 and securing her sixth title. Sun Sibei (CHN) attempted to challenge her with a 720 spin in run two but faced a flat tire, settling for silver, while Xiaotong Fan (CHN) took bronze.

The Men’s Park Final closed the event with jaw-dropping performances. Logan Martin (AUS) set the tone with a first-run score of 91.10, forcingcompetitors to raise their game. Olympic champion Jose Torres Gil (ARG) edged ahead with 91.60, while Justin Dowell, Rimu Nakamura, and Kieran Reilly all delivered runs scoring in the 90s. In his second run, Logan elevated his performance further, posting an unbeatable 94.30 to claim his third UCI rainbow jersey. Torres took silver, and Dowell’s determination earned him the bronze medal.

With the podium ceremonies concluding the 2024 championships, it was time to bid farewell to an unforgettable event and welcome the festive season.

BdJ